I never knew much about shocks until I bought my 89 GMC K1500 4x4 about 20 years ago. That's when I noticed the oil leaking from around the piston rods down the body on the rear. Since I had to buy new tires right away and replace the ball joints which were barely there, I decided to go through everything even the brakes. Well, I took off the stock shocks and put on a set of Rancho 5000's since I had really good luck with a steering stabilizer once with my 73 F100. Well, I honestly wasn't really impressed with them so I too them off and put on some Monroe Sensa Tracs all around, with coil overs in the back. THAT made a world of difference with my ride. However, as I was trying to upgrade my vehicles every time I had to replace something, I noticed my girlfriend's brother had a 91 Z71 with Bilsteins on it and I was in love! So I swore to put them in the next time. Yeah, my shocks are still good and I don't need to replace them yet on the GMC. But when I change out the suspension on my 79 Bronco I plan on going Bilstein if they are available. And considering I plan on replacing the bad 351M with a diesel very soon, I am hoping there is a heavier duty version.
But just a detail. I've had my 73 F100 since 86 and it's had the same set of Gabriels on it since. There's a heavy 360 with 4 speed and 4x4 and 33" tires and those shocks kept it riding well through all those conditions. And yeah, I know that even though they are not leaking they need replacing. I'm just taking care of one vehicle at a time, and the Bronco is first.
But just a detail. I've had my 73 F100 since 86 and it's had the same set of Gabriels on it since. There's a heavy 360 with 4 speed and 4x4 and 33" tires and those shocks kept it riding well through all those conditions. And yeah, I know that even though they are not leaking they need replacing. I'm just taking care of one vehicle at a time, and the Bronco is first.
